Suzuki Swift Allgrip
Does all-wheel drive enhance newly launched supermini?
THE new Suzuki Swift hits showrooms next month, and the Japanese car maker has some ambitious targets. Swift sales in the UK peaked at 15,000 cars in 2007, but last year the brand’s second best seller managed just 11,000 units. Suzuki hopes to double that next year, so the new car has a lot of responsibility on its shoulders.
We’ve already pitched the 1.0-litre Boosterjet-powered Swift against rivals (Issue 1,472), and now it’s the turn of the naturally aspirated 1.2 Dualjet mated to Suzuki’s SHVS mild hybrid system. This car was also fitted with Allgrip all-wheel drive.
That last feature gives the Swift a unique selling point in the supermini market, as the only other car of this size with 4WD is the Fiat Panda 4x4. Choosing Allgrip demands some compromises, though; not least because it’s only available in top-spec trim with the 1.2-litre petrol engine.
Lightweight
It’s also thirstier than the front-wheel-drive model, although the difference is modest, as the 4x4’s 62.8mpg compares well with the standard car’s 65.7mpg. That’ll be a boon for many buyers, and comes as a result of Suzuki’s pathological quest for lightness; the base model weighs 890kg, while even our fully loaded four-wheel-drive test car tips the scales at 980kg. Most superminis weigh more than 1,000kg in their lightest form.
You can really feel the lack of bulk on the road, as even with our 1.2’s modest power and torque figures, the Swift delivers better pace than you’d expect. However, you need to work it far harder than the Boosterjet turbo – and while the gearshift is slick, a VW Polo is more relaxing on the move. This is highlighted by a vocal drone that penetrates the cabin at higher revs. The 1.0-litre is quieter and more characterful.
As before, the SHVS system is barely noticeable in its operation, though, with the integrated starter generator allowing smooth and silent restarts when pulling away. The clever set-up also offers a bit of electrical assistance under acceleration.
Our test route didn’t involve any offroading – and given the lack of ground clearance, we doubt the Swift would be much cop. However, the Allgrip system did add confidence in rainy conditions, helping to quell understeer in quick cornering.
Regardless, the Swift remains agile and fun, with decent body control and positive steering. It’s a shame Suzuki has prioritised handling over ride comfort, as it appears fidgety over small imperfections and is often caught out by big bumps. Road noise is noticeable, too, as kerbweight targets mean sound insulation isn’t quite as extensive as in rivals. Top-of-the-range SZ5 models are crammed with kit, though. Autonomous braking, sat-nav, LED lights, adaptive cruise control and 16-inch alloys are all standard, although even base models come with DAB, Bluetooth and LED running lights.
The Swift’s dash design looks fine to the eye, but the plastics are dark, hard and scratchy. Only SZ5 cars get sat-nav, but the touchscreen is feature-packed if a little fiddly, and the graphics look dated.
Passenger space is greatly improved over the old car, though, with good head and legroom in the rear. The boot is bigger, too, although some way behind the class best.
“Given the lack of ground clearance, we doubt the Swift would be much cop off-road”